instead

adverb

in·​stead in-ˈsted 

1

: as a substitute or equivalent

was going to write but called instead

2

: as an alternative to something expressed or implied : rather

longed instead for a quiet country life

Synonyms

• rather

Examples of instead in a Sentence

I was offered a ride, but I chose to walk instead.

Recent Examples on the Web

Kirk promised that her husband will not have died in vain and said that instead his message would only become stronger. —Michael Loria, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025

Trump has similarly delayed the implementation of his whopping new tariffs on China multiple times since April, instead settling on an effective rate of 40% while Washington and Beijing pursue a bilateral trade agreement. —Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025

Those with the financial means could instead be able to leverage robotics and artificial intelligence to scale up their wealth indefinitely. —Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025

Stop forcing parents to choose between their careers and their families, and instead empower them to succeed on both fronts. —Liz Teran, Fortune, 12 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1667, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing instead

• instead of

Rhymes for instead

• abed
• ahead
• beachhead
• bedspread
• bedstead
• behead
• blackhead
• blockhead
• bloodshed
• bowhead
• breastfed
• bridgehead

Kids Definition

instead

adverb

in·​stead in-ˈsted 

: as a substitute

was going to write but called instead